Benchtalk: August 14, 2020

School is just around the corner

Some schools in other parts of the country have started classes already and that always impacts how busy it is here. The numbers of tourists are dropping but those with homes here are reluctant to leave and who can blame them? Summer is pretty darn nice in Crested Butte and Gunnison. But school is also getting ready to start here as teachers report for duty beginning next week and students aren’t far behind as they are starting classes on August 26. It is the beginning of the next change…

Railroad history walking tour

The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum (CBMHM) will host two Saturday walking tours featuring railroad historian Russ Lallier, August 15 and August 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the museum for a two-hour tour covering the railroad history of Crested Butte, the important role the town played in the industrial revolution of the West, from the Big Mine and coke ovens to the newly rehabilitated D&RG Depot. In 1870, General William J. Palmer formed the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, which arrived in Crested Butte on November 21, 1881. Meet at the CBMHM at the corner of Fourth and Elk Ave. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for those who are not museum members. Space is limited and tickets should be purchased in advance. Visit crestedbuttemuseum.com or call (970) 349-1880 for more information or to reserve your place.

Movement & Mindfulness  at the GAC : A Healing Through the Arts Dance Program (ages 16 and older)

Join a four-part movement class for participants 16 and older at the Gunnison Arts Center taught by Jes Vogan that focuses on mindfulness practice and reconnecting to one’s natural rhythms, such as our breath and heartbeat. Class will be Wednesday, August 19, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each class will focus on a different type of rhythmic movement and mindfulness strategy to help build a deeper connection with oneself and feel more rooted in the body and mind. The cost for the program is $30 and for GAC members, $25.50. 

Storytime for preschoolers at Oh Be Joyful

Looking for a fun activity for your preschooler? Renee Schmidt, “Nay Nay,” will host a free lap-sit storytime for preschool-aged children and caregivers from 10:30 to 11 a.m. downstairs at Oh Be Joyful Church, 625 Maroon Avenue. Space is limited to 11 people, so RSVP online by visiting objc.churchcenter.com/registrations. Joyful Kids Storytime will continue weekly through the summer. Make a morning of it by heading to the park afterwards for some play and a picnic! Storytime is completely free and open to the entire community. Stories to come:

August 14:
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

August 21:
Yummy Yummy In My Tummy

August 28: All Dressed Up

Storytimes are designed to engage your child in the wonderful world of imagination as they listen to stories, play instruments, shake their bean bags, dance, sing and move. The storytime combines the pleasure of a shared experience for parents/caregivers and their children with an introduction to the best of children’s literature for the pre-reader. For more information, email naynaystorytime@gmail.com. 

Birthdays:

August 13- Peter Chase, Rick Gaither, Cea Anderson, Faith Gasparrini, Tina Curvin, Bill Husted, Eric Nettles

August 14- Mary Kunes, Katie & Maddie Thomas, Rosie Ewert, Aidan Gunderson

August 15- Chris Morgan, Jacob Tucker

August 16- Marc Shellhorn, John Councilman, Jay Leonard, Allen Beck, Ian Hatchett

August 17- Norm Bardeen, Vicki Shaw, Karl Plambeck 

August 18- Deb Hodak, Nick Rayder, Betty Barkman, Joshua Pruett

August 19- Paul Hird, Laura Mitchell, Phil Chamberland, Jim Duffy